Auditioning Fabrics and Learning EQ8

This is the first post about my experience using Electric Quilt 8 to design a block of the month (BOM) quilt. There is so much to this program it's going to take a long time for me to get used to it, but sometimes you just have to go in head first!

I won't bore you with all the details but this first block I had designed in PreQuilt but the program has limitations especially as I want it to be a Foundation Paper Pieced (FPP) block. When I had finished designing the basic shape I realised that it wasn't centered in the 12" block I wanted it to fit in! But that's ok, as at this stage I'm playing with the design to see what works. I then had to decide which lines became extension lines to the edge of the block which is what makes it a FPP pattern.

Looking at the design again I think I could limit the amount of background pieces, once I make a start hopefully it will become clear!

I then put some colour into the block and kept the background white. The program has a huge library of plain and printed designs in every colour imaginable and an extensive collection of fabric swatches from some of the leading cotton manufacturers.

There is also the ability to import images of the fabrics you are planning to use in your quilt to see how the finished project would look. This is next on my 'to do' list as I really would like to see if the fabrics I've chosen will work. Unfortunately I haven't any white/cream for the background so I will be trying a coloured print instead. Below is my fabric pull but it could all change once I see them in the block!

Next time we'll have a look at the block with my chosen fabrics and whether I've made any changes.

Happy sewing!

Vicky

 

New program to learn!

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The past 18 months have been a huge learning curve for me as I started my fabric business in 2019. Setting up and designing my own website, starting business Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages, learning EVERYTHING to do with Google analytics, My Business and Google ads, with loads of help from Hazel A Patterns (check out her new website!!), this blog and working on a business plan, it's been a lot, but extremely enjoyable and rewarding!

So this leads me to the subject of this post. I've recently been considering expanding my products in my online shop to offer a Block of The Month quilt program. But first I need to design the quilt! 

I've recently learnt Foundation Paper Piecing which I absolutely love! This was my first attempt.

Some of the piecing isn't that accurate, but hey starting a new hobby is always a learning curve! After extensive searching on the web I found two sites which I thought I could start with to learn the process of designing, Prequilt and Quilt Assistant. I'm particularly interested in using FPP, applique and hand embroidery in my design. Not too much to consider!

These are 4 blocks I designed in Prequilt to see what it does and doesn't do. 

I enjoyed creating them but you can't transfer them into FPP patterns using this program so I found Quilt Assistant to help me do that. It's a very old program from 2009 but it's free and a fabulous way to start out.

The block below is the first block above with suggested FPP order which I numbered. You can print each section out which I did but a lot of the points weren't accurate, but it was great to see it in print.

So where am I at now?! I loved designing this so much that I've just invested in Electric Quilt 8 to enable me to design! I will be documenting my learning process on my blog, so if you want to see how I get on then sign up for my blog alerts.

Happy sewing!

Vicky

My Hexi-Caddy

It's been a while since I shared a Lookbook from Art Gallery Fabrics. This showcases one of their recent new ranges, Little Forester Fusion, which you can find in my shop here. These were in the Little Box of Fabulous in February. I have five designs from the range and I love them all! 😊

The project card which was in last month's Little Box of Fabulous was for a Hexi-Caddy designed by Hazel A Patterns, and here is mine!

I used fabrics from my stash, and I absolutely love it! The design is very clever with a star shape forming when you pull the cords to close it. With the pockets around the outside there is plenty of storage. If you lined it with waterproof fabric it would make a lovely wash bag or fill it with lovely smellies for a fabulous Mother's Day present! If you would like to make one for yourself then you can download it here, with 20% off until Friday 12th March, use the code HEXICADDY at checkout.

Happy sewing!

Vicky